Strong Representation for Pennsylvania Police Officers Injured in the Line of Duty

Police officers risk their lives to protect others on a daily basis. They are subject to many job hazards including shootings, uncooperative suspects, and exposure to infectious diseases.

When Pennsylvania police officers are injured in the line of duty, they are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act and full, tax-free wage replacement under the Pennsylvania Heart and Lung Act.

Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. has provided comprehensive legal representation to injured police officers and their families for over 35 years. Our Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers fight on behalf of law enforcement to ensure that their rights are respected and they receive the compensation they deserve.

Police officers in the Philadelphia Police Department are required to seek treatment at an approved City Network Provider, except in cases of extreme emergencies when they should be taken to the nearest hospital or trauma center. Those who seek medical treatment from a physician or hospital outside the network will not be reimbursed for the treatment, so it is important to go to an approved medical provider if possible.

If the incident involves sworn personnel, a Heart and Lung Claim Form must be submitted in addition to the Employee Injury Report, even if the employee does not wish to seek immediate medical treatment.

When filing a workers’ compensation claim, it is important to comply with all applicable laws, policies and deadlines. The Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. can help you file the appropriate claims and gather the necessary evidence to maximize your recovery.

Pennsylvania Heart and Lung Act

The Pennsylvania Heart and Lung Act covers law enforcement officers and firefighters who incur temporary injuries, or contract certain diseases in the performance of their duties. Under the Act, police officers who suffer temporary injuries and are expected to return to work may be compensated with their full salary, medical, and hospital expenses. To be compensable, the injury must prevent the officer from performing the essential functions of his or her job.

Once a Heart and Lung Claim Form is filed, the employer will investigate and write a report. Eligible officers will begin receiving compensation on the first work day after the start of disability.

If the employer determines that an officer is not eligible to receive benefits under the Heart and Lung Act, the officer will receive a notice of denial and may file an appeal.

Death Benefits

Families of police officers who were fatally wounded in the line of duty are entitled to death benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, as well as various other forms of benefits. The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act provides surviving spouses, children, and other dependents with death benefits, as well as up to $3,000 in reasonable funeral and burial expenses.

Families of fallen police officers may also be eligible to receive benefits through several other sources, including:

Public Safety Officers Benefits Program: This provides families of disabled and fatally wounded public safety workers with educational assistance and death benefits.

Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act: This provides a one-time payment of death benefits to surviving spouses, minor children, or parents of law enforcement and other public safety workers who were fatally injured in the performance of their duties.

Social Security Administration (SSA): The SSA provides pension benefits to spouses of police officers who died in the line of duty.

National organizations: National organizations such as the National Rifle Association, the National Sheriffs’ Association, and Woodmen of the World provide additional compensation to qualified survivors.

If you were injured while performing your duties as a police officer, or your loved one was fatally injured in the line of duty, we can help determine your eligibility to receive benefits under various programs, so that you can get the maximum compensation for you or your loved one’s injuries.

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5.0

2019-05-15T14:19:06+00:00

Ralphael Ramos

These people really know what there doing, I felt comfortable from the moment I walked in till I left...I have no regrets what so ever...and I never right reviews...rs.

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5.0

2019-05-15T14:00:48+00:00

Jessica Lipnitz

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5.0

2019-05-15T13:36:36+00:00

Christine Clark

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I'm so glad that I contacted Larry Pitt & Associates. He was very reliable and knowledgeable. During a tough time in my life, they made sure I was okay and made sure I received excellent care. Thank you for everything.

James Hull

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5.0

2019-05-13T14:32:35+00:00

James Hull

I'm so glad that I contacted Larry Pitt & Associates. He was very reliable and knowledgeable. During a tough time in my life, they made sure I was okay and made sure I received excellent care. Thank you for everything.

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